Art Event at the Wegner Grotto County ParkOn Saturday, August 26th the Wegner Grotto County Park will host “Art Outdoors...Click here for more

New Indexes and Updates to MonroeCountyHistory.orgThe Monroe County Local History Room has just added two new indexes and several updates to its award-winning genealogy and local history website, www...Click here for more

Monroe County Pictorial History Book

Monroe County Pictorial History, 2nd edition, 2004. THE book to go to for our county’s history. Originally
published in 1976, this book has been our best seller. It’s loaded with stories, histories, and photographs of Monroe County’s earliest towns, villages, settlers, places, and events. This new edition includes an EVERY NAME INDEX! 450 pages.

$28.00

"On Call: A Rural Surgeon's Story"

On Call is the true story of a female rural surgeon who practiced in Sparta, Tomah, and the surrounding area for 30 years. Dr. Judy Lottman takes us through her training, her practice, some of her most memorable cases, her triumphs, and some of her many challenges. She also considers the challenges of being a wife and mother as well as being a surgeon-frequently, the only surgeon in town. 175 pages.

$15.00

Down a Country Road with the Amish

The Amish have been in Monroe Co., WI, since 1966. Learn more about their customs, history, and beliefs from the author who works closely with Cashton, WI area Amish families. Author Kathy Kuderer shares from the heart her knowledge, friendships and experiences of knowing the Amish in a very personal way. Softcover, 81 pages.

$12.95

1912 History of Monroe County

1912 “History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, Including an account of the Cities, Towns and Villages of the County” by Randolph A. Richards. 1977 reprint featuring an every-name index. Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the county from the early years of European exploration and settlement. Topics covered include Indians tribes, the Black Hawk War, early settlement, railroads, newspapers, Monroe County residents in the Civil War and the Spanish American War, agriculture and dairying, banks, manufacturing and business, the legal and medical professions, civic and social organizations, businesses and industries, schools, and churches. Histories of the cities, towns, and villages of Sparta, Tomah, Cashton, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, Adrian, Angelo, Byron, Clifton, Glendale, Grant, Greenfield, Jefferson, Lagrange, Lafayette, Leon, Lincoln, Little Falls, New Lyme, Oakdale, Portland, Ridgeville, Sheldon, Wells, Wellington, Wilton, and Scott are included, as are biographical sketches of county residents. Hard cover; used in very good condition (previous owner's name blacked out on inside cover page). 946 pages.

$69.95

Wisconsin Its Counties, Townships & Villages

1994 edition of Wisconsin Its Counties, Townships & Villages compiled by Wendy (Zastrow) Uncapher and Linda (Zastrow) Herrick. From the introduction: "The purpose for this book is to show township relationships and list as many towns (incorporated or unincorporated), railroad depots and post office names as could be identified." As town lines and names change, this book can be a helpful resource to determine where a place was once located.

$15.00

History of the Cashton School District

2015 edition of Michael Hansen's History of the Cashton School District. Includes brief histories and photos of over 30 schools in Monroe, La Crosse, and Vernon County that were at one time part of the Cashton School District. A map of the schools' locations is also included. Softcover, 207 pages, new condition.

$29.95

Wisconsin Activity Book

Wisconsin Activity Book by Paula Ellis with illustrations by Anna Kaiser. Kid-friendly activity book with Wisconsin-based word games, dot-to-dots, Wisconsin Bingo, coloring pages and more. A fun and engaging way to learn about the state.

$7.95

Weird Wisconsin

Weird Wisconsin: Your Travel Guide to Wisconsin's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Linda S. Godfrey and Richard D. Hendricks; Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman, Creative Directors. Features colored photographs and information about many of the weird and wacky sites from around the state. Sure to be a fun read for kids and adults alike. Softcover, 272 pages.

$14.95

One-Room Country Schools

One-Room Country Schools History and Recollections book by Jerry Apps. Throughout its history, Monroe County, like other counties in Wisconsin, had over 100 one-room rural schools. In this book, well-known author Jerry Apps describes what it was like attending a one-room school as a child. From the teachers and textbooks to the Christmas pageants and school picnics to the fun games played at recess, the book recalls the nostalgia of that now gone era. Includes several black and white photos of rural schools throughout Wisconsin. Softcover, 233 pages.

$19.95

Windows To the Past and then Some

Book, "Windows To the Past and then Some" by Paul Mitby, printed by Evans Printing in 2014. Contains numerous photos (black and white and color) as well as many of the author's memories and stories about growing up in the Cashton area. In particular, the book covers the family's business from its early founding by Lester Mitby in late 1945 until, generally, the present day business operation in Cashton. Signed copy; in excellent condition; 60 pages.

$19.95

Tug Hollow: A Wisconsin Community and Its One-Room School

A history of a one-room school near Oakdale, Monroe County, WI, and the community surrounding it. Written by Nancy R. Schroeder and contributors. From the back cover: “The book is a factual account, with many anecdotes, about a valley of small farms in Wisconsin and the school that was so important to the people who lived there.” Dozens of historic black and white images. 316 pages.

Although hundreds of thousands of bikers and
hikers have enjoyed the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail since it opened in 1966, few know the history
behind this unique 32-mile stretch of old Chicago and North Western rail bed.
In “Indomitable Pluck,” author Karen Parker
reconstructs the story of the people who drilled three tunnels and forged a path through the rocky hills of Wisconsin's Driftless region, forever changing the local pioneers' lives. Dozens of
historic black and white images. 99 pages.

$25.00

“Irish In Wisconsin”

The 3rd largest immigrant group to settle Monroe County, the Irish have a rich and long history in Wisconsin. Immigrants quickly formed communities, settling in Wisconsin cities and small towns, influencing them with their old country charm. By David G. Holmes. Paperback; 92 pages, 23 b/w photos.

$9.95

Germans in Wisconsin: Revised and Expanded Edition

The majority of 19th c. immigrants into Monroe County came from Germany. Between 1820 and 1910, nearly 5.5 million German immigrants came to the US. Most settled in the Midwest, and many came to Wisconsin, whose rich farmlands and rising cities attracted three major waves of immigrants. Today German influence in Wisconsin is still quite apparent, from churches, to food and beverages, to cultural and educational institutions. Learn about the values and ideas the Germans brought with them from the Old Country, including their achievements on the farm, in the workplace and in academia over the course of 150 years in Wisconsin. By Richard H. Zeitlin
Paperback; 72 pages, 35 b/w photos and illus.

$9.95

Norwegians in Wisconsin

Have Norwegian heritage? This book offers a concise introduction to Wisconsin's Norwegian immigrants, examining the mass migration of Norwegians to WI during the 1800s. Read about the causes that impelled Norwegians to come to places like Monroe County, Wisconsin, their dangerous Atlantic voyage, and the establishment of Norwegian communities in the state. 72 pages, 39 b/w photos and illus. By Richard J. Fapso.

$9.95

This Wicked Rebellion: Wisconsin Civil War Soldiers Write Home

Hundreds of thousands of ordinary men and boys fought and died during the Civil War. This includes 1500 from Monroe County. "This Wicked Rebellion" by John Zimm tells their story. Drawing from more than 11,000 letters in the Wisconsin Historical Society's Civil War collection, the book gives a unique and intimate glimpse of the men and women who took part in the War for the Union. Follow Wisconsin soldiers as they sign up or get drafted, endure drill and picket duty, and get their first experiences of battle. Join them as they fight desperation and fear, encounter the brutality of slavery, and struggle with the reasons for war. 240 pages, 33 b/w photos and illus., 6 x 9". Hardcover.

$22.95

Wheel Fever: How Wisconsin Became A Great Bicycling State

Sparta, WI is known as the, "Bicycling Capital of America." But, did you know that Wisconsin itself is an important bicycling state? There's a complex and fascinating history behind the popularity of biking in Wisconsin--one that until now has never been told in depth.
Meticulously researched through periodicals and newspapers, Wheel Fever traces the story of Wisconsin's first "bicycling boom," from the velocipede craze of 1869 through the "wheel fever" of the 1890s. The book, full of fascinating historic imagery, examines the origins of bicycling in Wisconsin and why those origins still matter, but it is also about our continuing fascination with all things bicycle. From "boneshakers" to highwheels, standard models to racing bikes, tandems to tricycles, the book is lushly illustrated with never-before-seen images of early cycling and the people who rode them. 256 pages, 190 color and b&w photos. By Jesse J. Gant and Nicholas J. Hoffman. Softcover.

People of the Big Voice: Photographs of Ho-Chunk Families by Charles Van Schaick, 1879-1942

"People of the Big Voice" tells the visual history of Ho-Chunk families at the turn of the 20th century and beyond as depicted through the lens of Black River Falls studio photographer Charles Van Schaick. The family relationships among those who sat for the photographer are clearly visible in these images. Sisters, friends, families, and young couples appear and reappear, fleshing out a narrative of the period, from 1879 to 1942, referred to as "the dark ages" in Indian tribal history. Includes Ho-Chunk from Monroe County, WI. By Tom Jones, Michael Schmudlach, Matthew Daniel Mason, Amy Lonetree, and George A. Greendeer, Foreword by Truman Lowe.
Hardcover; 288 pages, 330 duotone photos.

$29.95

Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal (Revised 2nd Edition)

Want to know more about Monroe County's Ho-Chunk Nation and other WI Indians? This unique volume, based on the historical perspectives of the state's Native peoples, includes compact tribal histories of the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Oneida, Menominee, Mohican, Ho-Chunk, and Brothertown Indians. Author Patty Loew focuses on oral tradition: stories, songs, the recorded words of Indian treaty negotiators, and interviews, along with other untapped Native sources, such as tribal newspapers, to present a distinctly different view of history. Elders and tribal historians in each of the Native communities participated in the book's development, recommending sources, making suggestions, and offering criticism as the book unfolded. 208 pages, 142 color and b/w photos, 8 x 9" softcover.

$24.95

Our City...Our Church Book

"Our City...Our Church" is a history of Sparta and the Sparta United Methodist Church by Julian Hutchinson, 2017. It is a collection of 51 articles written by Julian Hutchinson at various times for the "Sparta Times Past" column of the Sparta Herald newspaper and the "Did You Know...?" section of the Chimes newsletter of the Sparta United Methodist Church. The articles cover significant people, places and events in the church's and city's respective as well as overlapping history. Includes several black and white and color photographs. Softcover, 115 pages.

$15.00

Barns of Wisconsin

You may have noticed the many barns dotting the Monroe County landscape. Digging deep as both a barn enthusiast and a farmer, author Jerry Apps reaps a story of change: from the earliest pioneer structures to the low steel buildings of modern dairy farms. They've housed wheat, tobacco, potatoes, and dairy cows, and they display the optimism, ingenuity, hard work, and practicality of the people who tend land and livestock. Featuring more than 100 stunning full-color photos plus dozens of historic images, "Barns" explores myriad barn designs, from rectangular to round, gable roof to gambrel, and fieldstone to wood, always with an eye to the history and craftsmanship of the Norwegians, Germans, and others who built and used them. By Jerry Apps. Photos by Steve Apps.
Hardcover; 224 pages, 140 color and b/w photos and illus.

$29.95

Barns Without Corners: Round Barns of Vernon Co. Wisconsin

The history of more than a dozen round barns in Vernon County, Wisconsin with biographical information on the builders and owners. Includes a biography of Alga (Algie) Shivers, African-American barn builder.
Color paintings by Patsy Alderson of each barn, along with photos and a map. By Kevin and Patsy Alderson. Softbound, 43 pages.

$15.95

Horse-Drawn Days: A Century of Farming with Horses

Before tractors or steam engines arrived on the farm, horses did all the heavy work. From spring plowing to the fall harvest, the mighty draft horse powered farms across the Midwest. "Horse-Drawn Days" captures stories of rural life at a time when a team of horses was a vital part of the farm family. Author Jerry Apps pairs lively historic narrative with reminiscences about his boyhood on the family farm in Wisconsin to paint a vivid picture of a bygone time. Featuring fascinating historic photos, ads, and posters, plus contemporary color photos of working horses today, "Horse-Drawn Days" evokes the majesty of these animals and illuminates the horse's role in our country's early history and our rural heritage. By Jerry Apps
Paperback; 216 pages, 140 b/w and color photos and illus.

$24.95

Images of America: Fort McCoy

Images of America: Fort McCoy by Linda Fornier (2008). Interested in Fort McCoy history? Have any relatives that worked or trained there? The book “Images of America: Fort McCoy” features 128 pages of Fort McCoy photos, maps, and illustrations documenting the important military landmark for nearly a century. This book chronicles the illustrious history of Fort McCoy from the doughboys of World War I to today’s soldiers supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

$20.99

Always the River: A History of Ontario, Wisconsin, 1857-2007

"Always the River: A History of Ontario, Wisconsin, 1857-2007” (2006). Take a stroll back in time to pioneer Ontario, the liveliest town on the Kickapoo. Read about hardy men and their families who settled in the area to harvest timber and float it down the Kickapoo River. Learn about the ravaging floods that nearly destroyed the village. Observe Ontario's evolution from a lumber town to an economic center for area farmers to its current role as a gateway to canoeing and recreational opportunities at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State park. Loaded with historic black and white photographs. 106 pages.

$24.95

The Haunting of Sparta

“The Haunting of Sparta: Mysteries In A Small Town” (2009). Heard any good ghost stories lately? Local author Joe Cook has, and he compiled those spooky stories into one book. “Every small town has its mysteries, old structures that captivate passersby from one generation to the next. ‘The Haunting of Sparta’ explores the intriguing possibilities that some things in life are unexplainable.” 101 pages long with numerous black and white images.

$14.95

Sparta Up To Date: A Souvenir Supplement of the Monroe County Democrat, 1899

Sparta Up To Date: A Souvenir Supplement of the Monroe County Democrat, 1899 (reproduction). 48 pages This historical gem includes short histories of businesses, schools, churches, and various organizations, as well as biographies of notable Spartans (businessmen). Loaded with glossy photographs of buildings, houses, people, store interiors, events, and more!

$2.00

Logging Dilemma In The Big Swamp

Logging Dilemma In The Big Swamp (1995). 236 pages. Details the early logging history of southeastern Jackson County, WI. Prior to European settlement, the area was dominated by large white pines, which were prized by loggers during the 1880s when sawmill towns and their railroads dotted the area. In Eastern Jackson County the communities of Goodyear, McKenna, Zeda, Bear Bluff Station and Chaplin boomed during logging days. Includes 124 historic images.

$35.00

History of Bicycling Coloring Book

History of Bicycling Coloring Book, by Lisa Brabant (1995).44 pages. Whimsical look at the history of bicycling, illustrated with sketches kids can color.

$5.00

History of Sparta Coloring Book, 2nd Ed

History of Sparta Coloring Book, 2nd Ed., by Lisa Brabant (2000). 44 pages. A history of Sparta and the surrounding area from Native American home to "Bicycling Capital of America." Created for kids to read and color!

$6.00

Sparta Fire Department History: 1879-1979

Sparta Fire Department History: 1879-1979 (1979). 100 pages. Includes stories about major fires in the area, roster of men who served in the department, and dozens of photographs.

$2.00

Household Tip Book

Household Tip Book features over 300 useful tips, tricks, and old-fashioned home remedies. 50 pages. Published by the Monroe County Historical Society in 1975.